Adapting an emotional regulation and social communication skills group programme to teletherapy, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Ir J Psychol Med. 2022 Dec;39(4):423-428. doi: 10.1017/ipm.2020.109. Epub 2020 Sep 11.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented situation, whereby essential services within child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) were suspended. This created a need to modify regular methods of treatment at a rapid pace, to avoid cessation of clinical intervention and prevent potential regression in mental health. Eighteen children with moderate-to-severe mental health disorders and their parents were attending weekly group cognitive behaviour therapy-based sessions ('The Secret Agent Society' programme) when the Irish Department of Health suspended face-to-face intervention. This report describes how the group sessions were adapted to individualised, online therapeutic triads between each child, his/her parent and their clinician. Whilst internet technology has emerged as a promising solution to shortfalls in therapy services, in-depth exploration is needed to confirm the efficacy of telehealth for children attending CAMHS.

Keywords: CAMHS; CBT; emotional regulation disorders; social communication; telehealth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Communication
  • Emotional Regulation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • Parents / psychology